Pin It There's something magical about the combination of honey and garlic when it meets perfectly seared chicken. This Honey Garlic Glazed Chicken brings together the best of both worlds—crispy, golden skin and tender, juicy meat enveloped in a glossy, sweet-savory glaze that caramelizes beautifully in the oven. The aroma of garlic filling your kitchen as the glaze bubbles away is simply irresistible, promising a meal that's both comforting and impressive.
Pin It The beauty of this recipe lies in its straightforward technique. By starting the chicken on the stovetop, you achieve that coveted crispy skin that oven-only cooking often misses. Then, as the chicken finishes baking in the oven, it bathes in the aromatic honey-garlic glaze, absorbing all those incredible flavors while the sauce reduces to a sticky perfection. It's a restaurant-quality dish that comes together with minimal effort.
Ingredients
- 8 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- 2 tbsp water
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley or green onions
- 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Step 2
- Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
- Step 3
- Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Place chicken thighs skin side down and sear for 3–4 minutes, until golden brown. Flip and cook another 2 minutes. Remove chicken and set aside.
- Step 4
- In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in honey, soy sauce, vinegar, water, and red pepper flakes (if using). Bring to a simmer.
- Step 5
- Return chicken thighs to the skillet, skin side up. Spoon glaze over the chicken.
- Step 6
- Transfer skillet to the oven. Bake for 18–22 minutes, basting chicken with glaze halfway through, until chicken is cooked through and skin is caramelized.
- Step 7
- Remove from oven. Let rest 5 minutes.
- Step 8
- Garnish with parsley or green onions and sesame seeds. Serve immediately.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
Patting the chicken thoroughly dry before seasoning is crucial for achieving crispy skin. Don't skip the searing step—this creates the foundation for texture and locks in juices. When basting halfway through baking, use a spoon or brush to generously coat each piece with the thickening glaze. The resting period allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring moist, tender meat.
Varianten und Anpassungen
For extra-crispy skin, broil the chicken for 2–3 minutes at the end of baking. Substitute boneless thighs or breasts, reducing baking time by 5–7 minutes. For gluten-free, use tamari or certified gluten-free soy sauce. Adjust the heat level by adding more or less red pepper flakes, or omit them entirely for a mild version.
Serviervorschläge
This honey garlic chicken pairs beautifully with steamed rice to soak up the extra sauce. Add stir-fried vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas for a complete, balanced meal. The flavors also complement roasted vegetables or a fresh Asian-inspired salad with cucumber and sesame dressing.
Pin It Whether you're cooking for a weeknight dinner or serving guests, this Honey Garlic Glazed Chicken delivers on every level—crispy skin, tender meat, and that unforgettable sticky glaze that will have everyone reaching for seconds. It's the kind of recipe that quickly becomes a household favorite.
Recipe FAQs
- → What cut of chicken works best?
Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs are ideal for juicy, flavorful results and crispy skin when seared and baked.
- → Can I use boneless chicken instead?
Yes, boneless thighs or breasts can be substituted; reduce baking time by 5–7 minutes to avoid overcooking.
- → How do I get extra crispy skin?
After baking, broil the chicken for 2–3 minutes to crisp the skin without drying out the meat.
- → Is there a gluten-free option for the glaze?
Use tamari or certified gluten-free soy sauce to keep the glaze gluten-free without sacrificing flavor.
- → What sides complement this dish?
Steamed rice and stir-fried vegetables pair perfectly with the rich, caramelized chicken glaze.
- → Can I make the glaze spicier?
Adding crushed red pepper flakes gives a mild heat which balances well with the sweetness of the honey.